“The LORD God’s spirit is upon me, because the LORD has anointed me. He has sent me to bring good news to the poor, to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim release for captives, and liberation for prisoners, to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor” (Isaiah‬ ‭61‬:‭1‬-‭2‬a ‭CEB).‬‬

After being tempted in the wilderness, Jesus “returned in the power of the Spirit to Galilee” and read the above scriptures aloud in his hometown of Nazareth. He then made the audacious declaration that he had fulfilled the great prophet’s words in that very moment (Luke 4).

500+ years earlier, Isaiah was the Spirit-filled anointed one, a messenger who brought good news to the exiled people of God, but freedom from Babylon didn’t mean returned control of the promised land. The kingdom of Judah was never restored and religious liberty was constantly threatened. It would have been understandable if 1st Century Jews felt Isaiah’s gospel had fallen a bit flat.

Some holiday seasons we attend Advent services, sing carols, watch claymation movies, yet somehow fail to tap into the “Christmas spirit.” Perhaps we are guilty of trying to throw a party without the birthday boy. The Lord’s Spirit is with Jesus. He IS the good news. Everything else is ornamental.

Lord Jesus, we want to be near you this Christmas. Fill our minds with peace, fill our hearts with joy, fill our eyes with hope—in the power of the Spirit. Amen.